Get Smart About Credit Day is an annual event held the third Thursday in October where bankers visit local classrooms to share with students the "credit facts of life." The 15th annual event will be celebrated on October 19 and highlighted in the media, but bankers are encouraged to host events anytime throughout the year.

Credit education isn’t just about, paying for college, credit cards and loans, but encompasses budgeting, understanding a credit report and identity protection. It’s also critical to the post-secondary success of young people, many of whom are starting their adult lives with significant student loan debt. Get Smart About Credit is an opportune venture to position yourself and your bank as a trusted partner in helping young people --and by extension communities --thrive.

Get Smart About Credit lessons must be taught by a financial services professional and cover some aspect of credit. ABA Foundation is not prescriptive regarding lessons or specific material. We do however focus on topics we think relevant & timely. Currently, the areas of focus are: Paying for College, Knowing Your Score, Protecting Your Identity and Managing Your Money. Bankers can focus on other topics such as, credit worthiness, the cost of credit cards, how to read a credit report and preventing identity theft.

No, you do not have to use ABA Foundation's teaching materials to participate. Your lesson does need to be credit-focused. When considering another curriculum, look for material that is aligned with academic standards to ensure added value for teachers.

Yes, ABA Foundation hosts training webinars at the beginning of the Get Smart About Credit program year. Webinars are free, however registrations is required. Look for upcoming webinars to be announced each summer in time for the start of the school year. Prior ABA Foundation hosted training webinars can be found on the Financial Education Training Page.

Yes. Bankers recruit their audience. Many first-time participants choose to start with a school where they already know a teacher or have a child enrolled. Talk with co- workers about schools where they have contacts/connections.

Registered banks that participate will be included in the Get Smart About Credit Participants List. ABA Foundation will maintain this online list. We will promote this list with media, policymakers and members of Congress to highlight your commitment to the communities you serve.